Thursday, February 17, 2011

Employing parolees decreases recidivism, promotes public safety, and earns employers up to $9000 per parolee employed

WHAT: The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) Division of Adult Parole Operations (DAPO) is working to end the cycle of poverty and joblessness that contributes to increased crime and recidivism by joining with several Los Angeles County partners in hosting a job fair for unemployed parolees.

WHO: Twenty Southern California companies will be seeking workers. Thirty resource providers will be there to help parolees with resume writing seminars, mock interviews, and help filling out applications. As many as 400 job-seeking parolees are expected to attend. The event is hosted by CDCR in partnership with WorkSource California, the State of California’s Department of Motor Vehicles, the City and County of Los Angeles and the City of Pasadena.

BACKGROUND: Studies show that drug-free parolees with a steady job and stable housing are least likely return to prison. This job fair is specifically designed to help give parolees a second chance at being productive contributors to society. Employing an ex-felon is an opportunity for local businesses to get a federal tax break of up to $9,000. For more information about the fair or the tax breaks for employers who hire ex-felons, please go to: http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/